Took another outdoor photo walk yesterday, this time with the camera completely on manual for the first time ever. So happy to finally be learning to use the camera in a more sophisticated way, even if the photos are not especially thrilling! I am also really enjoying Oregon’s fall color – something the other places I have lived generally lacked.

Nellie was a very patient model today as I experimented with my camera and took some shots of her inside the house. I learned that it’s quite difficult to get good images of her in the dim interior light, though a bit of flash and plenty of liver treats helped!

I’m taking a beginner digital photography class this fall through Portland Community College’s community education program. Our first assignment is to work on composition. I kept that in mind when we visited Champoeg State Park this morning for a walk. Not all of these are “artsy”; most are just of plants I liked.

I need to pick one of these to send to my instructor for next week’s class. Any nominations? I’m leaning toward the squash/salt-and-pepper shakers photo.